Connor Sabrosky, 19-year-old former Ashland University sophomore, is charged with a fourth-degree felony of strangulation, according to court documents from the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas.   

Sabrosky pleaded not guilty and made bond, which was set at $50,000 on March 17. 

In the bond setting hearing on March 17, Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf said the defendant and the victim were in a dating relationship.  

The alleged incident occurred on Jan. 22. 

“[They] were having sex and on one occasion Mr. Sabrosky, by his own admission, took things too far with his hands around the victim’s neck. [He] left a thumbprint bruise on her neck,” Metcalf said. 

Defense Attorney Jeff Honaker, representing Sabrosky, said during the March 17 bonding setting hearing, in the two months since the alleged incident occurred during consensual sex, nothing similar had happened and the two had maintained a good relationship. 

Sabrosky has no previous criminal history.  

“There’s multiple female students at AU that have said that Mr. Sabrosky is pretty aggressive with them and violent with them,” said Metcalf.  

Metcalf said the state is looking into whether other sexual assaults may be charged against Sabrosky, but it is still too early in the process. 

The victim’s name is redacted from all the records.  

On March 18, the court issued a temporary protection order (TPO) for domestic violence to “ensure the safety and protection” of the victim. 

On March 20, AU Director of Safety Services, Kim Mager, issued a statement regarding the case.

“Our greatest priority is professionally and confidentially supporting the safety and well-being of our students,” Mager said. “As with all reported felony allegations, Ashland University has fully cooperated with the Ashland Police Department in this serious matter. The accused student is no longer enrolled at our university.”

The AU Kappa Sigma fraternity issued a statement regarding the case.

“Mr. Saborsky is no longer associated with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity in any way, shape or form,” Kappa Sigma Grand Master, Shane Rue, said. “Domestic violence is never acceptable. The allegations against him are serious and will be prosectuted in a court of law.”

The Collegian attempted to contact Sabrosky. He did not respond. 

The Collegian reached out to Honaker, representing Sabrosky, for further comment. He did not respond. 

The preliminary hearing on the criminal complaint is scheduled for March 24. 

This is a developing story.